Matthew Getson, Jr.
PFC Matthew Getson, Jr. served with Item Company, Third Battalion, 8th Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 21 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 444664
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
April 1, 1921
at Louisville, KY
Parents
Matthew Getson, Sr. (d. 1930)
Ruth (Pretty) Getson
later Ruth Johnson
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Lathe operator
Excello Corporation
Service Life
Entered Service
August 31, 1942
at Detroit, MI
Home Of Record
116 North Edison Avenue
Royal Oak, MI
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Ruth Johnson
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
I/3/8th Marines
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Matthew Getson, Jr. served with Item Company, 8th Marines in the battle of Tarawa.
The amphibious assault on Betio, Tarawa atoll – Operation GALVANIC – commenced on 20 November 1943. The Third Battalion, 8th Marines were in reserve for the landing operation, but were ordered to stand by in their LCVPs and were afloat by 1015. At 1200, the battalion’s first wave began heading towards Beach Red 3 to support the heavily-engaged BLT 2-8.
Nothing went as planned. Item Company approached in the fourth wave; one boat was hit causing “considerable casualties,” and the rest pulled back and attempted to land on Beach Red 2. They intermingled with the fifth wave, grounded on the coral reef, and once again took casualties. The surviving boats waited in the water outside of small-arms range, and finally managed to disembark the rest of Item Company between 1630 and 1800 hours. Those who reached shore were attached to battered Love Company and participated in an attack south towards the main airfield.
PFC Getson was last seen alive during the landing operation. He never returned to his organization, although initially reported as missing in action, he was ultimately declared dead as of 20 November 1943.
Burial Information or Disposition
Missing in action; no identifiable remains recovered.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Plot 9, Row 1, Grave 10.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Ruth Johnson.
Location Of Loss
Getson’s battalion landed at various locations between Beach Red 2 and Red 3.
